Preparing for holy marriages

By Mairgread Gray | CFP Correspondent

    WORCESTER – “We live in challenging times, and good models of marriage are not as common as they were generations ago,” says Allison LeDoux, director of the Office of Marriage and Family, “but God is with us, and embracing his plan for our lives and marriages, however challenging it can seem at times, sets us on the road to happiness.” 
 
   The Office of Marriage and Family is funded by Partners in Charity and helps couples by offering marriage preparation classes.  
“The preparation is so important – for the couple to have a holy and successful marriage,” Mrs. LeDoux said.
    “The Catholic Church cares deeply about engaged couples preparing for the sacrament of holy matrimony. Our diocesan policy for marriage preparation ensures good pastoral care for those who are preparing for marriage through a process that is both educational and formational, aiming to equip couples to embrace God’s plan for life and love throughout their journey and their married life together,” Mrs. LeDoux said.
    What does a couple preparing for marriage need to do?
To start the process, the engaged couple talks to their parish priest. Marriage preparation takes place over the course of one year. The couple meets with their parish priest regularly throughout.
     “When a couple becomes engaged they begin by contacting their parish priest who will oversee and guide them through the entire process.” Mrs. LeDoux said.
    “There are several facets of the marriage preparation process which work together and complement each other well, covering different aspects of married life in Christ. When couples embrace the process, reflect on the work God is doing in their lives, and participate whole-heartedly, they are well on their way to living a fulfilling and fruitful life, where their roles as husband and wife serve as a witness to Christ in all that they do,” she said.
Initially, the couple will complete canonical paperwork and take an inventory questionnaire that serves as a discussion tool for the couple to get to know each other in a more in-depth way as they explore and discuss various aspects of married life and how they will live out their vocation as a couple, she explained.
    Early in their year of preparation, couples attend a one-day seminar called “God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage.” 
“This program is based on St. John Paul II’s beautiful reflection on what it means to be male and female, a work known as the ‘Theology of the Body.’ The content of this day is theological and spiritual – an opportunity to learn more about and reflect on what marriage is, helping couples to put Christ at the center of their marriage and to walk with him through the joys and challenges of life,” said Mrs. LeDoux, who teaches the program. 
    After attending the “God’s Plan” program, couples attend an Engaged Encounter retreat weekend. The retreat is held in different locations. Couples can go to a retreat in the diocese, or they can easily go to on e in Hartford, Connecticut.
    “This experience aids the couple by helping them to process and apply practically in their own unique relationship what they learned at the ‘God’s Plan’ program. Guided by a presenting team and a priest chaplain, couples have two full days to reflect on the sacrament of marriage as they grow in communication with one another through both personal time and interaction and sharing with other engaged couples,” Mrs. LeDoux said.
    Couples continue working with their priest throughout the months leading up to their marriage, and their priest will also assist them in preparing for the beautiful celebration of the liturgy which will unite them sacramentally as husband and wife.
    “One goal of many in the process is to help couples recognize and embrace God’s plan for their life,” said Mrs. LeDoux.
    “It is our hope that with diligent care and preparation for marriage, couples will be equipped to continue to grow in faith throughout their lifetime, that they will become more involved in their parish and in the life of the Church, and bring their children up to love and honor God and strive to live the Gospel message,” Mrs. LeDoux said.

Partners in Charity. Donate Now!
The Office of Marriage and Family and the Respect Life Office are supported
by Partners in Charity. The Office of Marriage and Family received $53,036  from the 2019 appeal.